Ultherapy in Toronto & Markham
Ultherapy® is Merz Aesthetics' high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) system. Its DeepSEE real-time ultrasound imaging allows the physician to visualize tissue during treatment, precisely targeting the SMAS fascial layer at depths of 3–4.5 mm.
Quick Answer
Ultherapy® (first generation) is a non-invasive ultrasound device cleared by the FDA and Health Canada for lifting and tightening skin on the face, neck, and décolletage. It is manufactured by Merz Aesthetics and suited for adults experiencing mild-to-moderate skin laxity who prefer a non-surgical option. The device delivers focused ultrasound energy to stimulate deep collagen production. At ID Cosmetic Clinic in Markham and Toronto, Ultherapy treatments are personally performed by Dr. Dan Xu, M.D. Most patients complete one session, with gradual results visible over two to three months.
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Dr. Xu's Real Cases: Ultherapy® (1st Generation)
Real clients treated personally by Dr. Dan Xu at ID Cosmetic Clinic (Toronto / Markham). Every client signed a Media Release Form. Photos are unretouched clinical records; individual results vary with skin type and aftercare.
01Mature Cheek Skin Lifted In Profile
- Treatment
- Collagen Stimulator (Bellafill®, etc.) and Ultherapy® (1st Generation) combined to lift sagging cheek skin.
- Maintenance
- Continued sun protection and moisturising; review as scheduled to assess maintenance.
02Young Facial Skin Firmed In Profile
- Treatment
- Collagen Stimulator (Bellafill®, etc.) and Ultherapy® (1st Generation) combined to firm facial skin.
- Maintenance
- Continued sun protection and moisturising; review as scheduled to assess maintenance.
03Mature Lower-Face Sag Firmed
- Treatment
- Ultherapy® (1st Generation), Collagen Stimulator (Bellafill®, etc.) and Sculptra® combined to firm lower-face sag and define the jawline.
- Maintenance
- Continued sun protection and moisturising; review as scheduled to assess maintenance.
04Sagging Male Jawline Tightened
- Treatment
- Perioral Rejuvenation, Ultherapy® (1st Generation) and Sofwave™ combined to tighten the lower face and define the jawline.
- Maintenance
- Continued sun protection and moisturising; review as scheduled to assess maintenance.
05Longer Chin, Tighter Lower Face In Profile
- Treatment
- Ultherapy® (1st Generation), Perioral Rejuvenation, HA Filler (Juvéderm® and others) and Collagen Stimulator (Bellafill®, etc.) combined to tighten the lower face and reshape the chin.
- Maintenance
- Continued sun protection and moisturising; review as scheduled to assess maintenance.
06Brow Position Lifted In Profile
- Treatment
- HA Filler (Juvéderm® and others), Restylane®, Stylage®, Teosyal®, Yvoire®, Collagen Stimulator (Bellafill®, etc.), Perioral Rejuvenation, Ultherapy® (1st Generation), Sofwave™ and Forehead Filler Augmentation combined to lift the brow position.
- Maintenance
- Continued sun protection and moisturising; review as scheduled to assess maintenance.
07Buttock Filled And Firmed From Behind
- Treatment
- Hyaluronic Acid Buttock Augmentation, Sculptra® Buttock Enhancement, Ultherapy® (1st Generation) and radiofrequency skin tightening combined to fill and firm the buttock.
- Maintenance
- Review as per the treatment schedule and maintain with exercise.
08Face-To-Neck Junction Tightened In Profile
- Treatment
- Eye Rejuvenation / Brightening Injections, Ultherapy® (1st Generation), radiofrequency skin tightening and Forehead Filler Augmentation combined to tighten laxity at the face-to-neck junction.
- Maintenance
- Continued sun protection and moisturising; review as scheduled to assess maintenance.
09Mature Face And Neck Laxity Firmed
- Treatment
- Ultherapy® (1st Generation) as a single treatment to firm facial and neck laxity.
- Maintenance
- Continued sun protection and moisturising; review as scheduled to assess maintenance.
10Corner Lines And Droop Improved Together
- Treatment
- Perioral Rejuvenation, Ultherapy® (1st Generation), Sofwave™, HA Filler (Juvéderm® and others), Restylane®, Stylage®, Teosyal®, Yvoire® and Collagen Stimulator (Bellafill®, etc.) combined to improve the marionette lines and mouth corner droop.
- Maintenance
- Continued sun protection and moisturising; review as scheduled to assess maintenance.
11Cheek Skin Firmed, Clearer Outline
- Treatment
- Sofwave™ and Ultherapy® (1st Generation) combined to firm cheek skin and define the outline.
- Maintenance
- Continued sun protection and moisturising; review as scheduled to assess maintenance.
12Mildly Lax Skin Firmed
- Treatment
- Sofwave™ and Ultherapy® (1st Generation) combined to firm lax cheek skin.
- Maintenance
- Continued sun protection and moisturising; review as scheduled to assess maintenance.
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Ultherapy in Toronto & Markham
Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound to deliver heat to the deep support layers of the face and neck — including the SMAS, the layer a surgeon tightens in a facelift — without breaking the skin. The tissue responds by contracting and laying down collagen over the following months.
It is a lifting treatment, not a resurfacing or volumising one. It does not change skin tone and it does not replace lost volume. What it addresses is laxity: a jawline that has softened, brows that sit lower than they did, skin under the chin that no longer holds.
Every treatment at ID Cosmetic Clinic is planned and performed by Dr. Dan Xu, M.D., CCFP. The ultrasound imaging is used to see the layers before energy is delivered, so depth is chosen against your anatomy rather than a fixed template.
Key points
- What it doesLifts and tightens by heating deep tissue; no incision, no downtime
- Depths used4.5 mm (SMAS) · 3.0 mm (dermis) · 1.5 mm (superficial)
- DeviceUlthera System — holds an active Health Canada device licence
- OnsetGradual — assessed at 3 to 6 months, not on the day
- Typical courseOne session; repeated when the assessment supports it
Why imaging matters
Ultherapy is the ultrasound lifting platform that shows the operator the tissue layers during treatment. That does not make the result automatic — it makes it possible to place energy at the intended depth instead of estimating. Where a plan calls for treatment without imaging, a different device may suit better.
What actually happens in the tissue
Focused ultrasound converges energy at a set depth, raising the temperature at that point enough to cause controlled contraction. The layers above and below are left intact, which is why there is no wound and no recovery period.
The three working depths
4.5 mm reaches the SMAS, the fibromuscular layer responsible for structural lift — this is where jawline and neck work is done. 3.0 mm treats the deep dermis for skin quality and mid-face support. 1.5 mm is superficial, used around the eyes and on thin skin where the deeper transducers are not appropriate.
Ultherapy Prime
Ultherapy Prime is the current-generation platform. Compared with the earlier system it offers a revised imaging display and transducer handling, which shortens treatment time and makes depth confirmation easier during the session. The underlying mechanism — focused ultrasound at the same three depths — is unchanged. If you have searched for Ultherapy Prime Toronto, this is the same treatment described on this page.
Whether the earlier or current platform is used does not change candidacy, aftercare, or how results are assessed.
Why results take months
The visible change comes from collagen remodelling, not from the heat itself. That process runs over 8 to 24 weeks. Anyone quoting a same-day lift is describing temporary swelling, not the treatment effect.
What it does not do
It does not remove fat, fill hollows, resurface skin, or treat pigment. Combining it with the treatments that do those things is common, and the sequence matters — that is a consultation discussion, not a package decision.
Where it is used
- Jawline & jowlsThe most common request; treated at 4.5 mm where the SMAS still responds
- Submental & neckUnder-chin laxity; assessed separately from submental fat, which needs a different approach
- BrowA modest lift of the brow position — the reason people search for an Ultherapy brow lift
- Mid-faceCheek support, usually at 3.0 mm, often alongside other treatments
- DécolletageLines and crepey texture on the chest, at superficial depths
Treating a region well matters more than treating many regions. A full-face plan applied where only the lower third has changed spends energy where it is not needed.
Ultherapy or something else
| Your situation | Where assessment usually starts |
|---|---|
| Early to moderate jawline or neck laxity, skin still has elasticity | Ultherapy at 4.5 mm |
| Laxity plus surface texture or fine lines | Ultherapy combined with a resurfacing or skin-quality treatment, staged |
| Prefer a shorter, more comfortable session | Sofwave works at a single mid-dermal depth — different trade-off |
| Concern is volume loss rather than laxity | Fillers or collagen stimulators — not an energy device |
| Skin quality and pores, not lift | RF microneedling or laser resurfacing |
| Advanced laxity with significant skin excess | Referral for a surgical opinion — energy devices will not match it |
A side-by-side of the three tightening platforms is set out in our Ultherapy vs Thermage vs Sofwave guide.
Who it suits
Usually suitable
- Adults with mild to moderate laxity of the lower face, neck or brow
- Skin that still has elasticity — typically from the late thirties through the fifties, though this is assessed individually
- People who want a gradual change and can wait months to judge it
- People who cannot take downtime, including before an event that is still several months away
Not suitable, or deferred
- Significant skin excess or advanced laxity — surgery does more
- Active infection, open lesions or inflammatory acne in the treatment area
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Implanted electrical devices in the treatment field
- Severe or cystic acne over the intended area
- Expectation of a same-week visible lift — the biology does not work that way
Weight change during the months after treatment will affect what you see. If significant weight loss is planned, it is usually better to treat afterwards.
The session and the months after
- ConsultationAssessment of laxity and skin quality, photography, and a plan stating depths and line counts
- Session lengthAbout 45–90 minutes depending on the areas treated
- DuringHeat and prickling at the moment each line is delivered; comfort measures are discussed beforehand
- Immediately afterPossible redness, mild swelling, tenderness. Normal activity the same day
- Weeks 4–8Early change becomes noticeable to the patient before it is obvious to others
- Months 3–6The result is assessed against the baseline photographs
Discomfort during treatment is real and varies considerably between people and between depths. It is managed, not eliminated, and anyone describing the treatment as free of sensation is not describing it accurately.
When another route fits better
- Sofwave — ultrasound at a single mid-dermal depth. Shorter sessions and generally better tolerated; it does not reach the SMAS.
- Radiofrequency tightening — heats tissue by a different mechanism, with its own depth profile and comfort trade-off.
- Thread lifting — mechanical repositioning rather than tissue contraction; a different answer to a similar complaint.
- Fillers — where the change is loss of volume rather than loss of tightness, no energy device will address it.
- Surgery — where laxity is advanced. We refer rather than treat.
The overview of all ultrasound lifting options at this clinic is on the ultrasound skin tightening page.
Dr. Dan Xu, M.D., CCFP
The physician plans and performs the treatment
Ultherapy at ID Cosmetic Clinic is assessed and delivered by Dr. Dan Xu, a licensed physician certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Depth selection and line placement are decided from the imaging during the session, which is why the treatment is not delegated.
Consultations are available in English and Mandarin. Dr. Xu practises at a single location in Markham, serving Toronto, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Stouffville and the surrounding Greater Toronto Area.
Booking an assessment
Come with your skin clean if you can. Bring a note of any previous energy-based treatments and roughly when they were done, plus any fillers or threads in the area — both change the plan.
You will leave with the areas, the depths, the line count and an honest statement of what this treatment can and cannot do for your face. If the assessment says you are not a candidate, that is what you will be told.
What determines cost
Ultherapy is priced by the areas treated and the number of lines delivered, not by the session. Two people having “lower face and neck” can require materially different line counts, which is why a single headline figure is not useful before assessment.
Current pricing, what a line count means in practice, and how Ultherapy compares on cost with the other tightening options are set out in the Ultherapy cost guide for Toronto. A written estimate for your own plan is provided after consultation, before anything is booked.
Standards applied to this treatment
Imaging is used, not skipped
The layers are visualised before energy is delivered. Treating without looking is faster; it is not the same treatment.
Line counts are stated, not estimated afterwards
The plan specifies how many lines go to which area. You are told the number before the session, and it does not change without being discussed.
Results are judged against photographs
Standardised images at the baseline and at 3 to 6 months, under fixed conditions. Memory is not an assessment method.
Candidacy is assessed honestly
Patients whose laxity is beyond what focused ultrasound can address are told so and referred, rather than sold a course that will disappoint.
Risks, contraindications and when to call
Ultherapy has no wound and no recovery period, but it is a medical treatment with real risks. They are discussed before consent.
Expected after treatment
- Redness for a few hours, sometimes into the next day
- Mild swelling and tenderness to touch, typically settling within one to two weeks
- A tingling or sensitive sensation in the treated area for some days
Less common
- Bruising, particularly along the jawline and neck
- Temporary numbness or altered sensation, usually resolving over weeks
- Transient nerve effects — including temporary weakness or asymmetry of facial movement. Uncommon, and a reason the treatment is physician-delivered with imaging rather than delegated
- Welts or raised lines in the treated area, settling over days
Contraindications
- Active infection or open lesions in the treatment area
- Severe or cystic acne over the intended area
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Implanted electrical devices within the treatment field
- Significant skin excess where the expected benefit does not justify treatment
Contact the clinic
Call if you develop increasing pain after the first days, spreading redness, blistering, or any weakness or asymmetry of facial movement. These are treatable and are handled faster when reported early. For difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling affecting the airway, call 911 rather than the clinic.
This page is general information about how Ultherapy is assessed and performed at this clinic. It is not medical advice and does not replace a consultation. Results vary with tissue quality, the areas treated and individual healing.
Your Top Questions About Ultherapy®
Ultherapy® is the only Health Canada–licensed HIFU device approved for lifting the face and neck. The following five questions come up most often during consultations.
How Long Do Ultherapy Results Last?
Results from a single session typically last 12–24 months (up to 36 months in some patients), depending on age, baseline skin condition, and lifestyle.Note:Ultherapy®'s"Results"The goal is to slow the pace of aging, not to freeze it at a fixed point. A realistic expectation is a delay in the progression of sagging — not permanent rejuvenation. Maintenance every 12–18 months helps sustain results.
Is It Painful?
A distinct heating sensation is expected, as HIFU energy penetrates to the SMAS fascial layer. Discomfort is generally greater than with Thermage® FLX or Sofwave™.Relief method:Topical anesthetic applied 60 minutes before treatment + optional nerve block + real-time energy adjustment by the physician based on your comfort level during the procedure. Ultherapy Prime (2nd generation) offers improved comfort compared to the original.
When Will I See Results?
Immediate results (at end of session): ~20–30% improvement from instant collagen contraction; gradual improvement over 2–6 months as new collagen synthesizes; peak results at 6 months. The 6-month mark is the optimal time to evaluate the outcome of a single treatment."Visible results in one session"This does not apply to HIFU — collagen remodeling is a gradual biological process.
Who Is a Good Candidate? Who Is Not?
Suitable for: visible facial sagging + neck laxity, ages 35–65, seeking"Deep structural lifting"Not suitable for: (1) severe, extreme skin laxity (surgical intervention may be required); (2) very thin skin or insufficient subcutaneous fat (risk of fat atrophy); (3) pregnancy or breastfeeding; (4) metal implants or devices in the treatment area; (5) severe keloid or hypertrophic scarring tendency.
Ultherapy 1st Gen vs. Prime — Which Should You Choose?
Prime is the upgraded version.Gen 1 —— Classic HIFU, 3–4.5 mm depth, with significant results but notable discomfort;Prime(Gen 2) —— Upgraded DeepSEE imaging + optimized energy delivery — shorter treatment time, improved comfort, comparable results. Ultherapy Prime is generally recommended when available; the 1st generation remains an effective option.
How much does Ultherapy 1st Generation cost in Toronto or Markham?
How does Ultherapy actually work — what does it do beneath the skin?
How often should I repeat Ultherapy 1st Generation treatments?
Can I combine Ultherapy 1st Generation with other treatments like fillers or Botox?
Is Ultherapy 1st Generation Health Canada licensed and available in Canada?
How long does Ultherapy last?
Ultherapy is more uncomfortable than most non-invasive treatments — typically 4–7 out of 10 with our standard comfort protocol (topical numbing + oral pre-medication). The energy pulses generate brief deep heat sensations, especially over bony areas (jaw, chin, brow). At ID Cosmetic Clinic we also offer **Pro-Nox** (inhaled nitrous oxide / oxygen) for added comfort and never rush the procedure — Dr. Xu pauses for breath whenever needed. Patients with low pain tolerance can request additional comfort options at consultation.
Can I do Ultherapy after Botox or filler?
When delivered at correct settings and depths, **no.** The 4.5 mm SMAS depth targets the connective tissue layer, not the fat compartment. Reports of facial fat loss from Ultherapy are almost always linked to incorrect technique — too much energy delivered at too shallow a depth, or treatment of patients with very thin facial volume to begin with. This is the entire reason Dr. Xu uses DeepSEE real-time ultrasound imaging to verify tissue depth at every pass, and why she screens out patients with insufficient mid-face volume before treatment.
Real Clients · Google Reviews
What Our Clients Say
Vivian Okoth
0 reviews
Dr. Xu and the staff here are fantastic. I’ve been coming here for years and always leave satisfied! The clinic has a relaxed, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere—I always look forward to my visits.
Mary Jane
1 reviews
I am so grateful to the friend who recommended this place to me. Dr. Xu is amazing—she is the only doctor I’ll see from now on! Everyone on the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.
Millicent Akisa
1 reviews
She is truly outstanding! She is both friendly and professional, highly knowledgeable, and has a very warm and gentle manner. She listens carefully to your needs and takes the time to explain all the options to you.
Chen cheng
15 reviews
Vivian is extremely professional. Of all the times I've been here, her technique and service are the best. She finished my hyaluronic acid injection very quickly, with minimal pain. She's also beautiful and has a great p…
Emmaculate Matswa
1 reviews
I'm so glad I came here. Dr. Xu is incredibly knowledgeable, and every piece of advice she gave was meticulous and thoughtful. I really enjoyed talking to her about skincare. Everyone here is so warm and friendly .
Sally Yang
2 reviews
Ling was absolutely amazing! She is so friendly, kind, and welcoming. She made the whole experience so enjoyable and comfortable. Truly appreciate her warm personality and excellent service. Highly recommend!
Zara F. Bell
2 reviews
Absolutely amazing clinic. I was treated with the upmost care and respect. Felt like I've know them my whole life. The whole crew is amazing and so sweet! The service was impeccable by Dr. Dan Xu, she is literally the be…
Caroline Fan
8 reviews
I had a really pleasant visit at ID cosmetics today with Ling. I had my pico laser appointment today. Ling treated me with such kindness and care. She was really attentive prepping me for my treatment and checking in on…
Vivian Okoth
0 reviews
Dr. Xu and the staff here are fantastic. I’ve been coming here for years and always leave satisfied! The clinic has a relaxed, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere—I always look forward to my visits.
Mary Jane
1 reviews
I am so grateful to the friend who recommended this place to me. Dr. Xu is amazing—she is the only doctor I’ll see from now on! Everyone on the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.
Millicent Akisa
1 reviews
She is truly outstanding! She is both friendly and professional, highly knowledgeable, and has a very warm and gentle manner. She listens carefully to your needs and takes the time to explain all the options to you.
Chen cheng
15 reviews
Vivian is extremely professional. Of all the times I've been here, her technique and service are the best. She finished my hyaluronic acid injection very quickly, with minimal pain. She's also beautiful and has a great p…
Emmaculate Matswa
1 reviews
I'm so glad I came here. Dr. Xu is incredibly knowledgeable, and every piece of advice she gave was meticulous and thoughtful. I really enjoyed talking to her about skincare. Everyone here is so warm and friendly .
Sally Yang
2 reviews
Ling was absolutely amazing! She is so friendly, kind, and welcoming. She made the whole experience so enjoyable and comfortable. Truly appreciate her warm personality and excellent service. Highly recommend!
Zara F. Bell
2 reviews
Absolutely amazing clinic. I was treated with the upmost care and respect. Felt like I've know them my whole life. The whole crew is amazing and so sweet! The service was impeccable by Dr. Dan Xu, she is literally the be…
Caroline Fan
8 reviews
I had a really pleasant visit at ID cosmetics today with Ling. I had my pico laser appointment today. Ling treated me with such kindness and care. She was really attentive prepping me for my treatment and checking in on…
Grace
Local Guide · 13 reviews
I got a treatment done by Ling today and she was super friendly and helpful. She made me feel very comfortable throughout the entire process from the beginning til the end and I’d like to get it done by her again next ti…
Yvonne H
Local Guide · 54 reviews
Ling was so kind and super precise. I loved her recommendations—felt like she just knew what I needed! Thank you!
Dou Xu
2 reviews
Ling is just amazing—so gentle and professional. She really knows her stuff! I felt super cared for. The whole experience? Honestly, so relaxing.
Yan Sun
3 reviews
Dr. Dan Xu is seriously amazing—so skilled and patient! Felt super at ease the entire time. The results? Wow, just wow.
Olivia W
3 reviews
Entrusting my face to Dr. Xu and her team is reassuring, and everyone's service attitude is super nice. The clinic environment is clean and elegant, and Dr. Xu is enthusiastic and professional. I have always trusted her…
Hana Yu
9 reviews
I have been here since 3 years ago, Dr.Xu is very professional and all the staff are very nice and patient. I highly recommend this place!
xiaojie chen
7 reviews
Susie has an incredibly caring attitude, and all of her suggestions were truly helpful. I really appreciated her support!
Jackie Tse
Local Guide · 18 reviews
Dr Xu is very friendly and professional. Appointment was made quickly and the consultants provided professional and helpful advice. After the procedure, the consultant provided advice on after care and treatment plans. H…
Grace
Local Guide · 13 reviews
I got a treatment done by Ling today and she was super friendly and helpful. She made me feel very comfortable throughout the entire process from the beginning til the end and I’d like to get it done by her again next ti…
Yvonne H
Local Guide · 54 reviews
Ling was so kind and super precise. I loved her recommendations—felt like she just knew what I needed! Thank you!
Dou Xu
2 reviews
Ling is just amazing—so gentle and professional. She really knows her stuff! I felt super cared for. The whole experience? Honestly, so relaxing.
Yan Sun
3 reviews
Dr. Dan Xu is seriously amazing—so skilled and patient! Felt super at ease the entire time. The results? Wow, just wow.
Olivia W
3 reviews
Entrusting my face to Dr. Xu and her team is reassuring, and everyone's service attitude is super nice. The clinic environment is clean and elegant, and Dr. Xu is enthusiastic and professional. I have always trusted her…
Hana Yu
9 reviews
I have been here since 3 years ago, Dr.Xu is very professional and all the staff are very nice and patient. I highly recommend this place!
xiaojie chen
7 reviews
Susie has an incredibly caring attitude, and all of her suggestions were truly helpful. I really appreciated her support!
Jackie Tse
Local Guide · 18 reviews
Dr Xu is very friendly and professional. Appointment was made quickly and the consultants provided professional and helpful advice. After the procedure, the consultant provided advice on after care and treatment plans. H…
Medically reviewed by Dr. Dan Xu, M.D., CCFP · Founder & Medical Director, ID Cosmetic Clinic
Last reviewed
The clinical content on this page is reviewed by Dr. Xu. The review date changes only when the content is re-checked — not when a typo or layout is fixed.
Ready to Begin Your Ultherapy® (Gen 1) Journey?
Book a Free 30-Minute Consultation with Dr. Dan Xu (M.D., CCFP). She will design a personalized Ultherapy® (Gen 1) plan for you — no hard sell, no pressure.
Ready to experience the benefits of Ultherapy in Toronto? Contact us now to ID Cosmetic Clinic Book a consultation with our professional team.
Address: 30 Gibson Dr, Units 113-117, Markham, ON L3R 2S3
Phone: 905-477-2225
Free 30-Minute Consultation
Every consultation is conducted personally by Dr. Xu (Mon–Sat).
24 hr response · English/Chinese OK
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